Ink Me Up and Down {Jaz}

[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

There hadn’t been a time in recent memory that she’d been this nervous… It didn’t make sense, she knew that she was perfect for the job and would be good for the shop. She knew that. But there were things that might make the owner say no, that might get her app denied and her ass kicked out. Oh sure, it’d be one of those polite little, ‘I/We just don’t think you’re the right fit for this position Miss Ingram, but thank you for your interest.’ Really, it was giant ‘get the hell out, you’re not good enough.’ Ugh, at least the Marines had gladly taken her. She’d just had to pass a few aptitude tests and make it through basic before she got to specialize in the medic path. They were happy to accept her newly-adopted self, even with her long-ass hair and slim stature. Because Thess was strong, smart, and determined, and they’d appreciated that about her. Her recruiter had said she had great potential. It was one of the few times in her life somebody had seen something of value in her, other than Poppy. Fabulous Poppy, who’d finally helped her understand herself and figure out that her life wasn’t going to suck forever. It was funny, what a good case of nerves could make you think about.

Finally settling a little, after thoughts of her adopted mom and how she’d survived some combat situations worse than this, Thessily took a deep breath and grabbed her bag from the passenger seat and got out of the car. Well, here goes nada. A happy little beep signaled that she’d locked the doors as she walked in her orange heels toward the shining glass door of Heretics’ tattoo parlor. She’d loved the building from the moment she’d seen it, and the word ‘heretic’ was just beautiful when applied to inking. She almost couldn’t believe that the owner- Jazabelle Rogers, she’d looked it up when she’d mailed in her application and letter- had called her back. But she had, and she seemed pretty cool on the phone- thank goodness that she’d bothered to pick up!- so Thessily was desperately hoping that something about her personality would intrigue, uh, Miss Rogers- god she hated how formal that sounded- into giving her a shot. She was good enough for this, she promised herself. And she could impress the pants off the woman who owned the place. Mentally braced, she wandered inside. Nobody sat at the counter, but that didn’t bug her in the slightest. Peeps be busy. A charming bell sat on the counter, much better than the standard one that was shrill and awful.

’Hey? I’m here for my interview, if there’s anybody hanging out back there in an un-busy-type fashion…’ She stood by the counter and waiting, quietly tapping her long-esque fingernails on the hard, black lightly-sparkly surface of the counter, desperately curious about what this woman would look like. The people who owned and operated tattoo parlors were generally quirky, and had some of their own craft on themselves, or they looked exceedingly ‘normal’ with a strong vein of legitimate oddness. Generally, the people who were dedicated to inking arts were a spectacular bunch. She should know, she was one, after all. The art had come before everything. It had been one of the few things to keep her sane while her existence was something only a half-step up from shit. Now, it was something she wanted even more, because it was something like… full-circle. It had been there for her in the worst, now it had better get to be there for the better. Granted, it didn’t hinge on this one opportunity, but this was something that she really wanted. It was serendipitous. This sure as hell better go her way.

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clicketh for clothes!

[JAZABELLE OLIVIA ROGERS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: dddddd; border: #cccccc solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] heyhey, little razorblade The Words: 500 The Outfit:said in textThe Notessorry this took so long bby! If there was one thing she hated, it was doing a tattoo for a prissy little girl. Never once had there been a good experience of doing a tattoo for a girl’s birthday. Normally they just turned sixteen or seventeen and wanted something so cute that it would make all the other girls at the school jealous. She loved the idea of young people expression themselves, but there were times when she just wanted to smack parents alongside the head and say ‘you’re kids are getting something stupid.’ Alas, Jaz had to be a professional. After another twenty or so minutes of the little girl bitching and complaining about how much it hurt (and ironically later would tell all her friends that it didn’t hurt at all) Jaz smiled and turned off the pen. “We’re all done sweetie, now some with me so we can patch it up.” She said and brought the girl to the back. Today had been a little bit slow due to the weird weather going on. First it was hot and everyone wanted to come and set their appointments, but then it became so cold that everyone turned into a human turtle and stayed in their houses. Jaz sighed softly and ended up walking into the front with the mother and daughter. She spotted another girl waiting up front and she gave her a wink to say ‘give me a second.’ “Alright, if you want it colored it would be best to come back in a few days. Give it some time to heal up.” Jaz said with a smile and waved at them, waiting until they were out of the store to sigh in a most dreadful of fashions. “I hate doing teenage girls, they’re more annoying that a leech in your coffee.” Her southern accent was strong and proud, as it always was. “You must be Thessily, right? Sorry some people had to tell me they weren’t able to come in due to the cold and being sick.” She sighed softly. “My name is Jazabelle Rogers! I’m the owner and manager, now come with me darling and we’ll start your interview. I don’t have anymore appointments for another hour or so.” She said warmly and with a smile. The pink haired girl motioned for the other to follow and she entered her office, which was decked out in pink and black and frilly things, along with some metal attributes. Jaz sat down behind her desk and tucked her bright cupcake dress under her, she dug through a small pile and found the girls application. “Here, have a seat sugar! Now have you ever used a needle before? I want to know where I’ll have to start you off.” Jaz liked having new workers, and they would all get a fair shot at being an artist. However, as always you had to earn your repuation, and Jaz would be the best mentor she could, if it was needed. created by ADE! Pb-ified by WILL

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[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

Okay, Thess had to be honest with herself, Jazabelle was really not what she was expecting. Yes, tattoo people were always awesomely weird in one way or another, but with her bright pink hair, girly dress, and saucy Southern accent, Jaz had topped a list of some sort, she was sure. Not to mention the chick was smokin’. Like, damn. The witch was lucky she had good constitution for hot women, or else the wink might’ve done her in.

She’d been standing there, for only a few minutes, tops, when the other woman had escorted a teen and her mom out of the back, clearly- or maybe that was just to Thessily’s eyes- irritated with the two of them. Still, she remained professional and sweet, advising the girl to come back in for the final coloring in a few days- naturally- to give the skin time to heal, and some of the swelling to go down. After that, she addressed the petite Asian woman easily, as if they’d been friends for a while, and Thess could feel herself relax and tense at the same time. She liked Jazabelle, and now really wanted to work here, which would make a denial all the worse. She was going to try and stay positive though, as she chuckled at the punky woman’s bouncing between up and down attitudes.

’Yeah. Thessily, Thess if you want. And it’s no big, really. I’ve only been here a couple minutes. Nice to meet you.’ Her slim hand extended to shake the pink-haired artist’s before they moved back to her office, where she indicated that they should both sit so they could start the appointment. Thess had to admit that she loved the spunky office, with its pink and black frou-frou and rocker touches. ’This may be the most awesome office ever, gotta say,’ she said as her eyes scanned and caught details that she’d missed before. It seemed a good thing to say, based on Jaz’s reaction, before she started the legitimate interview, asking the witch if she’d ever handled a needle before. Thessily couldn’t stop her giggle. She hadn’t meant to, but if Jaz had known her at all- which, of course, she didn’t, duh- she would’ve known what a silly question that was. ’Oh sweetie, I’ve been playing with needles and ink since I was fourteen. I’ve done all my own work, actually. Like this one,’ she said, extending her arm and showing off the wavy color wheel on her left wrist- her first piece of art on her own body. She nibbled her lip then, wavering on whether or not to mention the next detail on her mind. She decided to sidestep it just a smidge with a question. ’Does that mean you accept brand-new artists here though? School them yourself? Apparently, yes she did. That was pretty amazing, actually, since newbs could be more headache than they were worth sometimes. ’I gotta admit, that’s kinda relieving. See, um. I’m not professionally trained or licensed or anything yet… I’m just, in my humble opinion, talented. I hope that’s not a problem?’ Her violet eyes were very focused and her stomach was tight as she waited for Jaz to allay her fears.

[JAZABELLE OLIVIA ROGERS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: dddddd; border: #cccccc solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] heyhey, little razorblade The Words: 455 The Outfit:said in textThe Notessorry this took so long bby! “Good, I’m glad you didn’t wait long darling. That would have been a terrible first impression on my part.” Would someone want to work with a boss who didn’t leave them sitting ehre for hours? Jaz could only assume so. She looked over the girls application again, even though it was already fresh in her mind. Hearing that she’d worked with a needle before was promising, and so far it was going great. “Good! I’m glad to hear it. I’ve had a few people come in before with no experience so I always have to ask. Just to double check.” She winked. When Thess said her office was amazing, Jax sighed proudly. “Worked my ass off to make it so neat and organized.” And that was a fact. After finally finishing re-reading the application, Jax’s boss mode kicked in. “Have you worked with other people before? Or where you a freelancer?” Questions like this needed to be asked, she wasn’t judging Thess in anyway, it was more to see what her skills and strengths where as well as weaknesses. If she wasn’t comfortable working with other people, well Jaz could help. Things of that nature. “I’m willing to give someone brand new a chance. We all have to learn from someone right? I don’t mind being the teacher so long as they’re willing to listen.” Without her own teacher, Jaz didn’t think she would have gotten as far as she did. She owned her own business now, which made her so very happy. Thess spoke again about not being professionally trained. Jaz eyed the tattoo’s the girl had on her, remembering what she said about doing them herself. “The best people are those who learned on their own or with a little help from someone who wanted to teach.” She smirked. “I like your style, it’s very beautiful. I have a few costumers who ‘collect’ if you will tattoo’s from all different people. It’s becoming a thing recently.” Jaz bit her lower lip and smiled even more. “Since you are new to the team I’ll get you appointments, but soon you’ll also have to make your name known. So people can say ‘yeah I got mine done from Thess at Heretics,” you know?” It wasn’t babying, it was merely helping someone out. Jaz stood and offered her hand to the girl, grinning from ear to ear. “Welcome to the family darling. I’ll show you to your station, which you will be in charge of cleaning and making organized to fit your own standards.” She winked and walked out of the office and to the main room, where again one of the walls was an empty station. created by ADE! Pb-ified by WILL

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[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

Thess had to admit that she was appreciative of Jaz’s ability to talk easily and candidly. If the other woman had been one of those silent, staring-you-down types, the witch probably would’ve walked out the door. Why? Because it was a tactic to unnerve prey, and Thess was certainly not prey. It wouldn’t have worked, but it would’ve served to piss her off. As it stood, she got nothing but good vibes from the pink-haired beauty, and couldn’t resist being all smile s with the parlor owner. She chuckled softly at her ‘first impression’ comment as she followed her. ’I’m sure that depends. Could just give the impression you’re very popular.’ The witch’s grin was cheeky as she sat down across from the other woman, thoroughly impressed with the tidy, but incredibly unique space that was her office. She said so, unafraid to speak her mind. And was rewarded with a happy little sigh, and a comment that Thessily had the unconscionable urge to make inappropriate. But didn’t. Potential new boss, after all. ’Well, your efforts seem well worth it, gotta say.’

Jaz continued perusing what Thess could only assume was her resume and application, and waited patiently, answering honestly whatever questions the artist threw at her. ’Other people, as in other artists? Gotta say I haven’t really, no. But I can say that I’m perfectly comfortable in groups and teams. It’s a military thing, I guess.’ She flashed Jaz another smile, hoping that would redeem some of her lack of formal experience. The other woman took the information in stride, easily continuing the interview in a fashion that made the witch perfectly comfortable. ’I really appreciate that. And it totally true. Everybody’s on the bottom first. I’m a good student. I usually have some authority issues, but I don’t see us having that problem, to be perfectly honest.’ She shrugged gently, figuring truth was the better way to go. She’d had authority issues her whole life, because the authorities in her existence tended to make stupid fucking rules that she couldn’t help herself from rebelling against. That had been part of the reason she’d taken to learning her own craft, which Jaz actually appreciated instead of looking down on her for. Sweet goodness, she’d not been expecting that.

’I- Really? You would not believe the haughty looks I’ve gotten for doing my own thing.’ A soft chuckled emerged from her throat, followed by a quick glance at her lap for the praise. ’Thank you. Very much. The people I’ve worked on tend to find an artist they love and stick, but variety has its place, of course…’ Then the other part hit her and her jaw dropped a little. ‘New to the team?’ Fer rizzle? No way, no way… She resisted the urge to bounce up and second-guess, for fear of making the other woman uncomfortable. ’Of course. I’ll bring in my portfolio, advertise around. That kind of thing. But I totes appreciate the leg-up…’ She swallowed hard, eyes still big, until Jaz stood and offered her hand, whereupon she gave a relieved grin and squeaked. ’Ohmygosh, thank you! You won’t regret it Jaz, promise.’ She had a bounce in her step as she followed the owner through the building, surveying the open station with a feeling like coming home. ’This is beyond perfect.’

[JAZABELLE OLIVIA ROGERS]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: dddddd; border: #cccccc solid 8px; width: 420px; padding: 15 5 15 5px;] heyhey, little razorblade The Words: 497 The Outfit:said in textThe Notessorry this took so long bby! The pink haired woman waved her hand and smiled warmly. “Popularity is boring.” She teased with a wink. So far so good! As a boss Jaz liked what she was hearing and from how she looked at it, Thess really did have the job in the bag. Formalities could be a huge pain though but they needed to be done. Once that was over and the werewolf finally announced that they would be working together, Thess looked completely thrilled. It took made her just as happy. That was the vibe she wanted around this place. Most of those who worked with her were just happy to do what they loved doing. That was enough she thought. She walked in stride to show Thess her new station which to be honest was bland compared to everyone else’s station, but again she just had to personalize it to her hearts content. “I know it don’t look like much, but you can do whatever you want with it. Even paint the back wall if you want. If you’re not a fan of pink and black.” She laughed and patted the hard cinder block wall that covered the whole building. “Wanna take today to just feel at home? I can find some people for you in the next few days?” She offered and tilted her head, eyeing the time and noticed her next appointment wasn’t going to be here for another hour or so. She could help the girl with whatever she needed. Maybe Jaz was the motherly sort of boss, but she just wanted everyone to be happy. It was a nice success so far. “Oh, I’ll also run you by the other guys here. We’re the only girls so get ready to be oogled up, however they’re all harmless.” The pink haired woman laughed and smirked a bit. She began to go through everyone else who worked there, giving Thess their personality quirks and tips on how to deal with them. “You don’t seem like the type of girl who gets offended easily, but if they do offend you, kick them in the balls and let me know, alright?” Her tone suggested she was teasing and she was. Jaz could be a very serious person when the time called for it, but as of now it was just nice to kick back and relax. Her feet began to move automatically as she went to gather up some simple things the girl might need. Mostly for cleaning equipment down easily. “Also because we’re well known we sometimes get the teenage girls and boys.” Jaz whined a bit. “Some are alright, but others can be a pain in the ass. They even make me want to scribble on their skin like a little child with a new pack of crayons.” Her hand began to make the motion of an out of control toddler what began to ‘color’ then she huffed to make her point. created by ADE! Pb-ified by WILL

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[THESSILY RYUU INGRAM]

‘Popularity is boring?’ Ha! Thess couldn’t resist laughing at that. She had to disagree. She rather liked her own popularity, and in a business like tattoo, popularity was important. You weren’t popular, you didn’t make any money. ’Oh, sweets, forgive me if I can’t roll wit that one. Popularity’s entertaining. ‘Swhy so many people crave it. Attention’s fun.’ A quick flash of pink, and the witch stuck her tongue out, returning the playful banter of her- hopefully!- future boss. Her hopes were well-received. In short order, the lovely Jaz announced- and it wasn’t really so much an announcement as a statement of fact, which kinda threw Thess for a loop, just for a second- that the artist had gotten the job, was gonna join her ranks. She resisted the urge to do a little jig with glee. She could’ve gone to other places, other parlors, but the one she really wanted was The Heretics Brand. It was the best shop in Manuka. And the fact that it was run by a woman had only added to its appeal. At least for Thess. Not that she didn’t respect and love men too, but such a thing was impressive, by any standard.

As was the immaculate- though yes, a bit plain- booth that Jazabelle showed her to. She imagined that the pink-haired vixen kept it that way on purpose though. Let the artists express themselves when they got hired. Thessily appreciated that. As well as the offer to let her personalize it to her own tastes, now that it belonged to her. ’I’m a fan, honest. It’s just… not very me. I like a bunch of colors. So I’ll probably add to this.’ She grinned, ridiculously happy. They’d work out the details and the paperwork later. But for now, yeah, getting settled and making it hers seemed like a great idea. ’Sounds perfect, Jaz. And really, again, thank you.’ Thess touched the things in the booth: chair, counter, stool, walls. It felt like home. A home that needed some new life, new fixtures, but still, home. She got the same relaxation in her stomach when she went back to her mama’s house. She even kinda got the same vibes from Jaz that she got from Poppy. Odd, maybe, but definitely comforting. Which made the next words out of the woman’s mouth even funnier, and Thess giggled.

’Gotta say- and I’m sure you feel me on this one- pretty used to being ogled, whether or not there’s a shortage of other chicks around.’ Thessily gave the pink-haired beauty a pointed, thorough glance, giving a silent appraisal of her new boss. Perhaps not the most appropriate, but certainly effective when proving a point. ’’Sides, even if they weren’t harmless, I can hold my own.’ She winked, both teasing and serious. Being a marine, and being almost three times as strong as she should be made Thessily a force to be reckoned with. Though most people wouldn’t know that, just looking at her. Speaking of which- witch, ha!- depending on the status of her new boss, the witch would mention her magical ink, eventually. She’d have to get to know the woman better first, though. But so far, she was pretty chill, making for a happy new tattoo artist. Until she mentioned the part about bratty teenagers, making Thess wrinkle her lip in displeasure.

Okay, she didn’t hate kids, she even like a few, but entitled teens who got their parents to spoil them further by getting them inked up? Annoying as hell, and the little Asian could only nod in sympathetic agreement with Jaz’s statement. Yeah, scribbling woulda made her feel better. ’And now I get why you said that popularity was boring…’ She shook her head with a little laugh, shrugging as she continued following Jaz around the building, vacating her booth to move on to other things.